Ranchers, livestock owners impacted by 9,700+ acre wildfire near Fredericksburg

GILLESPIE COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) --- Fire crews from across the state continue to fight the Crabapple wildfire in Gillespie County. It's burned more than 9,700 acres, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS).

By 7:30 a.m. Monday, all roads that were closed were reopened. The City of Fredericksburg said ranchers and livestock owners were impacted by this fire.

"This northern part of Gillespie County is heavily agriculturally based in a rural area," said City Public Information Officer Sean Doerre.

The TFS set up a livestock supply point at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds in Fredericksburg to collect hay, feed and fencing supplies.

The City of Fredericksburg said a livestock supply point was set up at Gillespie County Fairgrounds to collect supplies for affected cattle, sheep, and goats. (Photo: KXAN)
The City of Fredericksburg said a livestock supply point was set up at Gillespie County Fairgrounds to collect supplies for affected cattle, sheep, and goats. (Photo: KXAN)
The City of Fredericksburg said a livestock supply point was set up at Gillespie County Fairgrounds to collect supplies for affected cattle, sheep, and goats. (Photo: KXAN)

Behrends Feed & Fertilizer, Lochte Feed and General Store, and Allied Ag Services Inc. are also accepting donations for the fairgrounds.

"Fences are all burnt down. A lot of hay supply has been burnt up. The little grass we had during the drought is now gone for them. So the livestock that's out there is going to need feed, hay," said Behrends Feed & Fertilizer owner, Clark Behrends.

Clark Behrends said he was born and raised in the Fredericksburg area. (Photo: KXAN)
Along with donations at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds, three other local businesses are accepting donations as well. (Photo: KXAN)
Along with donations at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds, three other local businesses are accepting donations as well. (Photo: KXAN)
Along with donations at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds, three other local businesses are accepting donations as well. (Photo: KXAN)

Behrends said people can come in and donate either cash or purchase feed. "We'll pass it on and get it to the Fredericksburg fairgrounds," Behrends said.

Doerre said the fire damaged some structures, but they don't have details on how many yet.

Behrends said he personally knows some people affected.

"We've talked to several people that are good friends, customers, that definitely are impacted. I know of a few homes that were totally destroyed."
Clark Behrends, Behrends Feed & Fertilizer owner

Behrends said he is dealing with the reality that his home is also in jeopardy.

The City of Fredericksburg said high winds have made it more difficult to fight the fire. (Photo: KXAN)
The City of Fredericksburg said high winds have made it more difficult to fight the fire. (Photo: KXAN)
The City of Fredericksburg said high winds have made it more difficult to fight the fire. (Photo: KXAN)
The City of Fredericksburg said high winds have made it more difficult to fight the fire. (Photo: KXAN)
The City of Fredericksburg said high winds have made it more difficult to fight the fire. (Photo: KXAN)

"We were told that we needed to think about leaving," Behrends said.

As of Monday afternoon, the fire has been going on for more than 48 hours. High winds are making it difficult to battle hot spots.

Even once completely out, Behrends said the road to recovery will last even longer.

"It's going to take a long time to rebuild a lot of this country," Behrends said. "Farmers and ranchers around the area have always supported us, and we're here for them."